Hard drive platter damage

A computer hard drive is made up of several mechanical parts. Each of these parts is interconnected and dependent on one another to function systematically. At times, however, these components get damaged and render the data stored on the hard drive inaccessible. Data Recovery from such physically damaged hard drives is possible with the help of Data Recovery Services.

Quite often, we know that our hard drive platter damage and stopped working. Figuring out why is often the tricky part. Failures occur for numerous reasons, and determining the specifics is difficult when you are looking at something that is mostly in an enclosed box. Hard drive head crashes are a common reason why hard drives crash, which is why we’ve explained what they entail, what should be done if you believe it has happened to you, and how to avoid them in the future.

To understand how and why the parts of a hard drive fail, one should first know how it works. The hard drive comprises ‘Platters’ which is where the data is stored. Data is written to the platters using the ‘Read-Write Head.’ There is a very little distance maintained between the platter and the head. This is done by the ‘Head Assembly.’ The ‘Voice Coil’ helps in the movement of the ‘Read-Write Head,’ while the ‘Shaft Motor’ spins the ‘Platters.’

Each of the above hard drive components is susceptible to damage due to wear and tear. When these parts are over-used, friction between them often increases the rate at which they get worn out. Sudden jerks to the drive also damage these parts. Head crash, platter scratches, spindle motor seizure, are all examples of these various components failing.

One of the most prominent indications that a constituent of the hard drive is not functioning properly is that the system starts running slower than usual. Sometimes one can also hear screeching and beeping sounds from the hard drive. Computer and laptops which are exposed to dust and other such minute particles are prone to wearing out even faster than other drives. These particles form a coating on the parts of the drive and thus increase the friction between them. Eventually, the wear and tear of these parts lead to their non-functionality. The failure of any of these parts stalls the computer, and thus all your data stored on it becomes inaccessible.

A drive that has been damaged due to any physical failure of the internal components should be taken to an expert who knows how to perform Data Recovery from the damaged drive. One should not attempt to ‘fix’ any components on their own as this could lead to further damage not only to the drive but also the data stored thereon. Such damaged drives should only be opened, and data extraction should be performed in Clean Rooms, i.e., sterilized environments where the elements of nature can be controlled. Such places are maintained by companies offering Data Recovery Services.

How Can I Avoid Them?

It’s pretty simple – take better care of your hard drive. Hard drives are super sensitive to any shocks or vibrations and should be transported with the best of care. This translates into taking better care of your electronic equipment that contains a hard drive. Throwing your laptop around on your bed or couch might not seem like much, but it can cause a hard drive head crash. Additionally, you should always make sure that you have your data safely and securely backed up on a regular basis if this were to happen.